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William ‘cleaning up’ thanks to support of Fermanagh Enterprise

Posted: 7:00 pm April 26, 2014

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CLEANING doctor is a very familiar name around Fermanagh.

The brand, founded by William Little, is a well respected and trusted in the cleaning industry, but few locally may realise there are over 40 branches of Cleaning Doctor spread across the UK and Ireland, and every one of them is directly connected to Fermanagh.

William Little explains that he is 28 years in the cleaning business around Fermanagh and Tyrone and 14 years running Cleaning Doctor Limited and the ‘Cleaning Doctor’ brand.

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William describes how he initially started as ‘Little William’s Cleaning Service’ providing carpet and upholstery cleaning services.

This was followed by ‘Hi-Tec Cleaning Group’, which sold cleaning machines, equipment and chemicals throughout Ireland. William sourced equipment and training from as far away as the USA and Australia.

Many of his customers also wanted training, so William added that to his business, bringing in specialists whenever required.

His skills, business acumen and encouragement guided many start-up cleaning companies across Ireland.

The combination of supplying machines, training and support led to the formulation of Cleaning Doctor as a fully-fledged franchise business with William Little at its head as the franchisor and managing director of Cleaning Doctor Limited.

William states, “We advertise the Cleaning Doctor business opportunity in franchise magazines and websites, and after careful selection of suitable people, we bring them to Fermanagh for an intensive training course.

“We turn them into experts of cleaning and restoration, teach them the basic business methods, fit out their vehicle with equipment and products, and prepare their marketing programmes.

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“Essentially, a new franchisee leaves Fermanagh trained and equipped, and when they get home a day or so later they are ready to launch their new business in their local area.

“Of course, it doesn’t end there; the business relationship between Cleaning Doctor head office and its franchisees is an ongoing process of supply, support, training and mentoring.”

Talking about how he got set up, William said he met with John Treacy, the General Manager of Fermanagh Enterprise Limited, and John helped him formulate a business plan.

“I got my first bit of support from John, and things have simply grown from there.

“This franchise is tried and tested, and we have the name ‘Cleaning Doctor’ registered in the UK and Ireland. So if you see another Cleaning Doctor, it’s linked to us.”
Cleaning Doctor provides cleaning and restoration service to both domestic and commercial customers and one of William’s first contacts was with the Killyhevlin Hotel in Enniskillen.

He states proudly, “They are still customers; we must be doing something right.

“We have four different divisions within the franchise,” explains William, “Carpet and upholstery cleaning, floor restoration and sanding, external cleaning (window cleaning and power-washing) and home cleaning services.”

Locally, William’s son Wayne looks after the carpet and upholstery cleaning services; the floor restoration services franchise is owned by Felim Mulligan; Trevor Corrigan is the franchise owner of external cleaning services; the home cleaning services franchise is currently transferring to a new owner.

The recruitment and training of new franchisees is an ongoing process at the busy head office at Moyglass, four miles outside of Enniskillen.

As well as employing six staff, the business also uses other local companies for business to business services, such as B&B accommodation, vehicle sourcing, fitting out and livery.

Cleaning Doctor recently held a network training day for franchisees from all over GB and Ireland at the Enniskillen Business Centre premises of Fermanagh Enterprise Limited at Lackaghboy, Enniskillen.

Referring to the facilities at Enniskillen Business Centre, William observes. “John Treacy and his staff give first class support, and I am grateful for their backing to Cleaning Doctor over the years.

“As a business owner, I am indebted to the thousands of home and business owners and many other organisations in Fermanagh and surrounding counties that have supported the Cleaning Doctor brand over 14 years, and we look forward to continuing for many years to come.”